Looking into continuous casting mould

Abstract

When you look into the continuous casting mould you can see very little. Consequently, steelmakers have had to rely on plant trials, simulation experiments and physical property measurements on fluxes and steels to gain an understanding of the mechanisms responsible for process problems and product defects. However, in recent years, mathematical modelling has advanced to the stage where they can provide us with great insight into these mechanisms. As a non-mathematical modeller, I was initially sceptical of some of the predictions of the mathematical models. However, I have been completely won over by the ability of these models to simulate accurately the mechanisms responsible for various defects, such as slag entrapment, oscillation mark formation, etc. Mathematical modelling literally allows us to ‘see’ what is happening in the mould. It is a remarkable tool.

Keywords:

• Continuous casting
• Metal flow
• Defects
• Mechanisms
• Mould oscillation

Acknowledgements

My Bessemer lecture was a non-modeller’s view of the fantastic modelling achievements made possible in continuous casting and based on the work of the following researchers: P. Ramirez-Lopez (Swerea, Sweden), P. D. Lee (University of Manchester, UK); B. Santillana (Tata Steel, The Netherlands), B. G. Thomas (University of Illinois, USA) and R. Morales (National Polytechnic. Institute ESQUIRE, Mexico). I am greatly indebted to their contribution to the lecture and the production of this paper.

Notes

**RFCS-funded project: Direct Defect Toolbox (DDT), for further details contact [email protected].